There are many variables that help make up an organization's culture.  Below are eight key variables that help create a high performing people-centered organization.

Core Values

These are the basic values or beliefs that the organization was founded on.  Most high performing organizations will have between 2-6 clear core values that many people understand and believe in.  These values are communicated in formal and informal situations.  The values are used to help people make tough decisions.  Phillips Plastics Corporation has two primary core values: "All people are important and all people working together achieve more."  KRM Information Services core values include: act fairly, act ethically and be respectful.  These values form the foundation of the culture.

Purpose - Big Goals

Most high performing organizations will have 1-3 clearly stated big goals that are bold and compelling.  Many people understand these goals and can figure out how their job contributes to these goals.  These goals are far reaching and should last for years.  As an example, one of the Ford Company's early big goals was to "democratize the automobile."  One of Disney's big goals was to "build Disneyland - and build it to our image, not industry standards."

Walk the Talk

Effective leadership makes things happen.  Leaders in high performing organizations practice what they preach.  They communicate the core values and practice them on a daily basis.  They respect everyone and know how to make tough decisions based on these values.

Outstanding Communications

High performing organizations have outstanding communication.  Good communications helps to build and maintain trust.  These organizations share information.  Sharing the business information with everyone included sharing both the good and the bad news. It also included sharing profit and loss information.

Status Reduction

Reducing the status differences between the top and the bottom of the organization helps to reduce the filtering of information and improve trust.  It helps everyone to understand how every job is important to the organization's purpose and big goals.

Human Resources Systems

Key HR systems such as the selection of people, training and personnel policies must be aligned with the core values.  An organization that preaches developing people, but does a lousy job training people IS NOT IN alignment with what it espouses.  High performing organizations spend money on designing, developing and delivering outstanding training.  They have a good process for selecting people that fit their organization's culture.

Rewards and Motivation

High performing organizations have extrinsic and intrinsic motivators that align with the organization's value and purpose.  Examples of extrinsic motivators pay and working conditions. Some intrinsic motivators include the ability to use one's talents and strengths in their job and identifying with the organization's purpose and goals.

Learning

High performing people-centered cultures have good formal and informal learning systems.  People learn rapidly.  They openly share information and take action to capitalize on opportunities and minimize threats within the context of achieving the organization's aims and objectives.